SPORTSNET.CA

The global recession is set to hit NHL players directly in the pocketbook. Sources tell Sportsnet the Players Association will recommend to their members that their escrow payments be nearly doubled to 25 per cent of their salaries for the third quarter of this season.

Currently, the NHL holds back 13.5 per cent of players' paychecks. That money is available to the league at the end of the year in case NHL revenue projections are not met. The procedure was included as part of the most recent collective agreement so that players take home only their negotiated 56.7 per cent share of NHL revenues.

The actual percentage held in escrow needs to be ultimately agreed upon by the league and the union. The percentage could also change based on fourth-quarter numbers, which won't be set until later in the season.

Only once in the three seasons since the season-long lockout have the players not received at least 100 per cent of their salaries. In 2006-07, players left 2.49 per cent of their salaries in league coffers, compared to both the 2005-06 and 2007-08 seasons when players received back all of their escrow money plus interest and additional funds.

However, with the economy in free fall, the NHL board of governors were told in early December in Palm Beach, Fla., that the current escrow might not be enough and that the percentage might need to increase to cover any shortfalls.